Right-side seats win for both segments of this flight. Takeoff offers Lake Michigan views, and landing provides Atlantic Ocean and coastal scenery. The right side captures the most visually distinctive features at both ends of the journey.
Flown MDW to FLL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Fort Lauderdale is 1,169 miles (1,881 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses central Indiana and Ohio, passing over the Ohio River valley and Appalachian foothills. Around the midpoint, passengers may see the Tennessee River valley and the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee. The route then transitions into the flat terrain of Georgia and northern Florida, with occasional views of lakes and rivers. The final approach into South Florida crosses the flat Everglades region before reaching the coastal zone.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MDW
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago shoreline during the initial climb-out. Midway typically departs to the east or northeast, giving right-side passengers a clear view of the lake's western shore and the city's downtown skyline receding below.
Landing at FLL
RIGHTRight-side seats provide excellent views of the Atlantic coastline, Fort Lauderdale Beach, and the Intracoastal Waterway during approach. Aircraft typically descend from the west or northwest, and right-side passengers see the transition from inland development to the ocean and barrier islands.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International (FLL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale. Right-side seats win for both segments of this flight. Takeoff offers Lake Michigan views, and landing provides Atlantic Ocean and coastal scenery. The right side captures the most visually distinctive features at both ends of the journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Chicago Midway International in Chicago?
During takeoff from Chicago Midway International (MDW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago shoreline during the initial climb-out. Midway typically departs to the east or northeast, giving right-side passengers a clear view of the lake's western shore and the city's downtown skyline receding below. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan, Chicago downtown skyline, Calumet River, Indiana shoreline to the southeast.
What can I see when landing at Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International in Fort Lauderdale?
When landing at Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International (FLL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats provide excellent views of the Atlantic coastline, Fort Lauderdale Beach, and the Intracoastal Waterway during approach. Aircraft typically descend from the west or northwest, and right-side passengers see the transition from inland development to the ocean and barrier islands. Notable sights include: Atlantic Ocean, Fort Lauderdale Beach, Intracoastal Waterway, Port Everglades.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale?
The flight from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International (FLL) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,169 miles (1,881 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Fort Lauderdale flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central Indiana and Ohio, passing over the Ohio River valley and Appalachian foothills. Around the midpoint, passengers may see the Tennessee River valley and the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee. The route then transitions into the flat terrain of Georgia and northern Florida, with occasional views of lakes and rivers. The final approach into South Florida crosses the flat Everglades region before reaching the coastal zone.